Firefly

I learned of Emily through reading a review of an audio product. The reviewer mentioned that he used one of her albums to review the component that was the subject of his article. My interest was piqued, so I purchased this CD on Amazon. This is her first album as a leader and she is backed up by some impressive sidemen. Her playing on this album is adept, tasteful, and interesting to listen to. I am glad to own this CD and plan to collect more of her work. Sadly, like many jazz musicians she developed a heroin habit that eventually caused her demise at a young age.

I own about 7 of Emily's albums, and this is perhaps my second favorite, with her compositions compilation being my favorite. All the songs here are very well done. Her sound is pure and unique- and very engaging. Her music just makes you feel good, and also amazed that someone so young could play with the maturity she brought to this set. All the musicians on this outting are definitely on the same page, and the playing is just excellent all around. I suspect that like a few of her other albums, this one too will soon become hard to acquire, so pick it up ASAP and listen to this young and much missed genius of the guitar.

Although I've played and taught jazz guitar for some time, somehow Emily Remler slipped under my radar for a long time. I had heard of her, but not paid a great deal of attention until my young niece began taking guitar lessons, and asked me about "girl guitarists". Well, there are lots of female guitarists, but precious few who have made their mark in jazz, though that is changing. Remler was one to make he mark almost 30 years ago, and it's a pity she died so young.Remler's childhood guitar hero was Wes Montgomery, and you don't need to hear more than a few bars to know that she has modeled his style closely. Perhaps a little too closely, unfortunately. While this album displays her great technical skill, and the tunes are moderately enjoyable, to my ear it sound a bit "generic". You know it's not Wes playing, and you know it's somebody playing who really digs Wes -- but it could be anybody. It sounds like any of 500 more or less competent, but not very original Wes Montgomery clones. This is unfortunate, because you can hear the potential here; what is lacking is personality.Fortunately, this was Emily's debut album, and she eventually incorporated her Wes Montgomery leanings into her own distinctive style. "Firefly" is well-played, but uninspired. This album will be interesting to existing fans of Remler, especially those who want to trace her development as a guitarist.For new listeners, though, it's not her best album, and I would instead recommend her fifth solo album, "From East to Wes", one in which her own unique personality infuses her playing. https://www.amazon.com/East-Wes-Emily-Remler/dp/B0000006H6/

With Hank Jones on piano, Jake Hanna on drums and Bob Maize on bass. Remler was so casual and understated, you might not even notice how elegant her solo lines were or how in the pocket her comping was. All of her recordings are great, but if you are only going to have one, this is the one to have. Recommended.

I always wanted to listen to her music for decades to hear how good she is. Heard / read her name for many years before I finally got to her. I am still catching up a bit, but I think she is a wonderful player: good dexterity, attack, ambition. I'm going to see if I can discover a tour somewhere....Peter GrassoDerry, NH

She was a great player, and this is a great example of her work.

I have long been a fan of Emily Remler, possessing all but one of her albums. She was a shining light for Female jazz Guitarists. Her demise was a great loss to the Jazz world. This CD is certainly as good as 'Eas To Wes' and 'Catwalk'. As the years have passed her music is becoming more difficult to find. But be assured, if you like straight ahead jazz guitar influenced by folks like Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, this album is it.

The playing in this CD harkens back to the days of Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel. Very melodic, good interplay between the various musicians and no reliance upon electronic special effects. All in all, I have found this to be a very listenable album by a group of skilled musicians.

Emily's first album sounds impressively assured. As always her playing is sensitive and full of feeling. There's a well chosen and varied selection of tunes and the band sound fresh and gel really well. I can't imagine any fan of jazz guitar being disappointed with this!

This has to be the best debut album that ive ever heard. The voice of her guitar is simply lovely. Backed by a really great band, this is a must for all Jazz guitar players and fans. Such a terrible shame that she left us at such a young age.

Much under-rated guitarist who left us too early. A lovely tone and turn of phrase.

This is beautiful playing, brilliant for a debut album. The first track, Strollin', is one to be played over and over again. Such a pity she died so young. This is one of the best jazz guitar albums around and compares well with her final album, "East to Wes" (in honour of Wes Montgomery). The playing is clear, innovative and devoid of the tricksiness that some jazz guitarists are prone to. Buy it.

Worth the money and a good listen.